Lab scientists trained in Infectious Disease Surveillance to strengthen health security

The training aimed to equip participants with cutting-edge molecular diagnostic techniques In a bid to enhance outbreak response and strengthen public health interventions, the University of Ghana School of Public Health, in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, has organized a specialized training programme for Medical Laboratory Scientists. The short course on Applied Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases aims to equip participants with cutting-edge molecular diagnostic techniques, thereby boosting health security and disease surveillance capabilities. Molecular epidemiology plays a vital role in modern disease surveillance, enabling the rapid detection, tracking, and characterization of infectious disease outbreaks.

To build the capacity of Medical Laboratory Scientists, the initiative emphasizes hands-on training in genetic pathogen characterization and outbreak detection. The two-week intensive training programme provides participants with practical experience in molecular diagnostic techniques, fostering improved diagnostic accuracy and promoting data-driven decision-making. By strengthening laboratory networks and equipping scientists with advanced skills, the course significantly contributes to the fight against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.



Dr. Gloria Amegatcher, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists and one of the course facilitators, emphasized the importance of empowering Medical Laboratory Scientists with molecular diagnostic expertise. “By building the capacity of Medical Laboratory Scientists, we can enhance disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health interventions—ultimately supporting global health security,” she stated.

This collaborative effort between the University of Ghana School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health demonstrates a strong commitment to improving health systems and disease surveillance. By investing in the training and development of Medical Laboratory Scientists, we pave the way for more effective responses to infectious disease outbreaks and the advancement of global health security..